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Hobert's intimidation was perfect for dealing with a scoundrel like Darkholm.
Ordinary threats wouldn't have fazed Darkholm, but when he saw Zachary and the letter, most of his psychological defenses had already crumbled.
Additionally, from the intelligence he had gathered, he vaguely knew of the existence of the Beyonder world. When he heard Hobert's words and saw the potions Hobert brought out, though he didn't understand what they were, his intuition as an ordinary person told him that the contents of those small bottles were not simple.
Thus, the remaining bit of Darkholm's psychological defenses collapsed as well. "I-I know this much, and I also know that Mr. Heyman seems to have many Beyonder abilities!
"He-He unintentionally revealed that he has connections with a farr nad Hillman in the southern outskirts!
"He also ntioned finding clues to a treasure at No. 37 Minsk Street!
"That's all! That's really all!"
Hobert nodded in satisfaction. "Now, that's more like it!"
He put away the potions and powders. "If soone claiming to be Heyman's associate contacts you, just say that we've interrogated you multiple tis already and that your leg injury is proof.
"You don't need to send us a ssage. When we co to the Cuckoo Pub, just say, 'The goods you ordered earlier have arrived,' and we'll understand."
Hobert and Xio stood up together. Darkholm hurriedly asked, "And then?"
I haven't thought that far yet! Hobert, however, replied, "That's not sothing you need to ask."
Suddenly rembering sothing, he added, "By the way, where did you learn to read and write?"
"When I was young, I attended a grammar school," Darkholm said with a bitter smile. "Later, when my father's business failed, we had to move to the East Borough.
"Sir, to tell you the truth, I dream of going back to the South of the Bridge, to my old ho.
"But when I went back to check, another family had already moved in. It's no longer the ho I rember."
Another "business failure"—small rchants these days are just too prone to bankruptcy.
Hobert glanced at the furnishings of the house. No wonder Darkholm's residence seed so out of place in the East Borough. Then he marveled at Heyman's ticulous planning. Soone like Darkholm, who had once been middle class, would be more desperate than the people of the East Borough to regain a middle-class life.
Only strong desires can be better exploited by soone like Heyman.
Taking a deep breath, Hobert walked outside, saying sothing he had once told Veil: "If you do fewer things that extinguish your conscience, you might live a few more years."
"Thank you for the advice, sir."
With Darkholm's voice of gratitude behind them, Hobert and Xio walked out onto the street.
Xio quietly conferred with Hobert, "I rember you ntioned yesterday, during the diumship with Zachary, that Heyman spoke of Bishop Hillman. Could it be that…?"
Hobert replied in a low voice, "It's unlikely Heyman accidentally revealed such important information. He must have his reasons for doing so. We shouldn't let ourselves be used by him!
"Additionally, Hillman is likely connected to the Aurora Order. For our safety, let's stop investigating this case here."
Xio shared the sa thoughts. She let out a long breath, "This is the most complicated and dangerous commission I've ever experienced."
Had it not been for her cooperation with Hobert, she might still be stuck dealing with Darkholm, unable to trace Heyman or find Zachary.
Hobert smiled, "But the rewards are quite considerable."
Commissions involving the Beyonder world may bring quick profits, but they're also very dangerous. It's best to handle fewer of them for now.
Hobert continued, "Are you attending Mr. A's gathering today?"
"Yes. Yesterday… I thought about it for a long ti. Although Mr. A is very dangerous, the gathering itself should be safe." Xio said, "So we plan to attend the gathering as usual."
Hobert added, "Could you take along?"
Xio was slightly surprised. "Don't you have a reliable gathering of your own?"
Hobert smiled, "The more such gatherings, the better."
Xio nodded. "Sure, after lunch, we'll go and et up with my friend."
She understood perfectly well that Hobert's contribution to this investigation far exceeded hers. Splitting the spoils evenly wouldn't be fair to him. Taking him to Mr. A's gathering would be a way to repay the favor.
With yesterday's tense atmosphere gone, Hobert and Xio chatted casually, though they were careful not to reveal any specific information about themselves.
Their conversation was harmonious, but behind them, Fors was fighting the urge to bite her nails.
She had to stay on high alert while following them, always wary that Hobert might suddenly turn hostile.
Luckily, the worst-case scenario she had imagined didn't happen. Hobert didn't seem to have any malicious intent.
But that's what made it strange—why didn't he have any ill intentions?
Watching them chat, Fors had a sudden realization. Could it be that... this guy has feelings for Xio? Xio might be short, but her face is quite pretty, with a rare kind of youthful innocence that appeals to certain perverse nobles.
No, no, I have to warn Xio not to fall for it. Guys like Hobert, these rich young n, love to deceive naive girls!
When Hobert wasn't paying attention, Xio left a ssage for her friend, explaining that Hobert would also be attending the afternoon gathering.
Fors covered her forehead, thinking, "It's over… Xio might have already fallen for him."
Still, she went ahead with the plan, carrying the small box to et up with Xio at Viscount Glaint's residence.
1,600 pounds—this was the largest sum of money Fors and Xio had ever seen, so it couldn't be out of her sight.
Two cabs pulled up almost simultaneously at the Viscount's residence. The short Xio introduced the two, "This is my good friend, Fors. Fors, this is the Hobert I've ntioned to you."
Fors coldly said, "Mr. Hobert, it's a pleasure to et you."
Hobert was slightly taken aback. "Miss Fors, it seems that eting isn't a pleasure for you."
So this is the "Magician" lady? She's about 160 centiters tall, wearing a high-collared long dress, with ssy brown curls draped over her shoulders and tired light blue eyes.
Hobert said pointedly, "Miss Fors, you don't look like you're in great shape."
Fors impatiently replied, "Isn't it because…"
She took a deep breath and then said coldly, "Sorry, I need to talk to Xio alone."
Without waiting for Hobert's response, she dragged Xio away.
Hobert grew increasingly puzzled, watching the two won whispering in the distance, occasionally glancing in his direction.
"They're definitely badmouthing ," Hobert muttered under his breath.
At that mont, Xio shouted loudly, "Oh, Fors, is there a curly-haired baboon living in your brain?"
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